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Objective To explore the role and underlying mechanism of C1q/TNF-related protein 6 (CTRP6) in the development process of liver disease. Methods The histopathological examination and biochemical indexes of injured livers from wild-type (CTRP6+/+) and knockout (CTRP6-/-) mice induced by intragastric administration of CCl4 were analyzed. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of the fibrosis marker genes (Acta2, Col1al, Mmp2 and TGF-β) and cell proliferation marker genes (Cyclin D, Cyclin E and CDK6). Results Compared with CTRP6+/+ mice, the hepatocytes in CTRP6-/- mice showed mild necrosis, looseness and swelling. The high SOD activity and low MDA level were also observed in CTRP6-/- mice liver. Meanwhile, the expression of fibrosis and cell proliferation markers in CTRP6-/- mice were significantly lower than those in CTRP6+/+ mice. Conclusions CTRP6 gene is closely related to liver disease development, and the liver fibrosis progression induced by CCl4 is alleviated by its deletion. The mechanism may be explained as that CTRP6 knockout affects the proliferative capacity of hepatocytes.

The improved wear and corrosion resistance of gray cast iron (GCI) with enhanced mechanical properties is a proven stepping stone towards the longevity of its versatile industrial applications. In this article, we have tailored the microstructural properties of GCI by alloying it with titanium (Ti) and tungsten (W) additives, which resulted in improved mechanical, wear, and corrosion resistance. The results also show the nucleation of the B-, D-, and E-type graphite flakes with the A-type graphite flake in the alloyed GCI microstructure. Additionally, the alloyed microstructure demonstrated that the ratio of the pearlite volume percentage to the ferrite volume percentage was improved from 67/33 to 87/13, whereas a reduction in the maximum graphite length and average grain size from 356 ± 31 µm to 297 ± 16 µm and 378 ± 18 µm to 349 ± 19 µm was detected. Consequently, it improved the mechanical properties and wear and corrosion resistance of alloyed GCI. A significant improvement in Brinell hardness, yield strength, and tensile strength of the modified microstructure from 213 ± 7 BHN to 272 ± 8 BHN, 260 ± 3 MPa to 310 ± 2 MPa, and 346 ± 12 MPa to 375 ± 7 MPa was achieved, respectively. The substantial reduction in the wear rate of alloyed GCI from 8.49 × 10−3 mm3/N.m to 1.59 × 10−3 mm3/N.m resulted in the upgradation of the surface roughness quality from 297.625 nm to 192.553 nm. Due to the increase in the corrosion potential from −0.5832 V to −0.4813 V, the impedance of the alloyed GCI was increased from 1545 Ohm·cm2 to 2290 Ohm·cm2. On the basis of the achieved experimental results, it is suggested that the reliability of alloyed GCI based on experimentally validated microstructural compositions can be ensured during the operation of plants and components in a severe wear and corrosive environment. It can be predicted that the proposed alloyed GCI components are capable of preventing the premature failure of high-tech components susceptible to a wear and corrosion environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review mainly includes the following contents: 1) The multilevel of spatial topological structure of the fluid flow pathway is viewed from the transverse perspective (cross section), including perivascular space, basement membranes, tunica adventitia and perivascular connective tissue. And the diverse phenomenon of fluid flow at all levels of vascular structure is discussed; 2) The interstitial fluid flow in vascular trees throughout the whole body is viewed from the longitudinal perspective;3) The similarities and differences between domestic and foreign research results are compared;4) The potential physiological function of the interstitial fluid flow along the circulatory system is prospected.

Refractory high-entropy alloys are considered as potential structural materials for elevated temperature applications. To obtain refractory high-entropy alloys with high strength, different amounts of Si were added into the NbMoTiVW refractory high-entropy alloys. The effects of Si on the phase constitution, microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties of NbMoTiVWSix alloys were investigated. Results show that when the addition of Si is 0, 0.025 and 0.05 (molar ratio), the alloys are consisted of primary BCC and secondary BCC in the intergranular area. When the addition of Si is increased to 0.075 and 0.1, eutectic structure including silicide phase and secondary BCC phase is formed. The primary BCC phase shows dendritic morphology, and is refined by adding Si. The volume fraction of intergranular area is increased from 12.22% to 18.13% when the addition of Si increases from 0 to 0.1. The ultimate compressive strength of the NbMoTiVW alloy is improved from 2,242 MPa to 2,532 MPa. Its yield strength is also improved by the addition of Si, and the yield strength of NbMoTiVWSi0.1 reaches maximum of 2,298 MPa. However, the fracture strain of the alloy is decreased from 15.31% to 12.02%. The fracture mechanism of the alloys is changed from mixed fracture of ductile and quasi-cleavage to cleavage fracture with increasing of Si. The strengthening of alloys is attributed to the refinement of primary BCC phase, volume fraction increment of secondary BCC phase, and formation of eutectic structure by addition of Si. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]